In Germany, we did not celebrate Thanksgiving. One might be surprised how many Americans do not realize this! There is no Thanksgiving turkey to commemorate early settlers, natives and a vital but uneasy truce.

I know it sounds a little odd, but when you read my story, you will find exactly how fingerpaints touched my life.

What am I thankful for? My wife and the love that we shared since Thanksgiving day in 1998. "I love you."

In the beginning, as it must be for most people, Thanksgiving was all about family -- and turkey and stuffing and rice (a concession to my dad's Louisiana roots), gravy, cranberry sauce and a dish my mom called "million dollar salad."

A international disaster opens the doors to a touching holiday celebration.